Staff Spotlight

Renee Rizzo - CEO, President

Renee Rizzo, Hope Clinic CEO and president, was named one of the Nashville Business Journal’s ‘Women of Influence 2008’ in the nonprofit leadership division.  This category “honors women who display high energy and skill in a leadership role at a nonprofit institution or organization.”  As a recipient, Renee was honored at a luncheon and was featured in a special edition of the Nashville Business Journal. 

Renee says that in order to be strong, you have to be aware of your weaknesses.  That knowledge has empowered her to place Hope Clinic for Women on sound financial footing and offer services to more clients and communities.

“I’ve learned what my strengths are, and I’ve hired people whose strengths are my weaknesses,” says Renee.  “Together, we are a stronger team.”

Renee’s approach to leadership grew from a background that combines experience in the corporate world, nonprofit, and church service.  The varied experience taught her to employ both the emotional and the practical side of her personality.

Nashville businessman and entrepreneur Robert Yeager says Renee is “a phenomenal humanitarian as well as a very talented businesswomen.”

“She has such compassion and heart for everyone that…it is impossible to go away from her without feeling positive about her passion and commitment to her mission,” says Yeager.

“While leadership of the organization has been very good historically,” Yeager adds.  “Renee brought the perspective of mission and financial accountability together.”